Senior Scientist

EKC Advanced Electronics USA•Circleville, OH

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Are you looking to power the next leap in the exciting world of advanced electronics? Do you want to help solve problems that drive success in the rapidly evolving technology and connectivity landscape? Then bring your problem-solving, passion, and creativity to help us power the next leap in electronics. At Qnity, we’re more than a global leader in materials and solutions for advanced electronics and high-tech industries – we’re a tight-knit team that is motivated by new possibilities, and always up for a challenge. All our dedicated teams contribute to making cutting-edge technology possible. We value forward-thinking challengers, boundary-pushers, and diverse perspectives across all our departments, because we know we play a critical role in the world enabling faster progress for all. Learn how you can start or jumpstart your career with us. Qnity Electronics is an innovative leader in advanced, integrated materials for electronic circuits and semiconductor packaging in consumer electronics, transportation, and high reliability industrial applications. The company is uniquely positioned to address the increasingly more complex performance requirements through a broad corporate technology base spanning polymers, fibers, photopolymers, dispersions, coating and film making. The Films business unit includes well known industry leading brands such as Kapton® and Oasis® polyimide films, and Pyralux® flexible circuit materials. Films R&D in Circleville has a core function of developing new novel polyimide films and is extending the film portfolio to include other high performance, dielectrically insulating materials. The R&D group is physically located adjacent to full scale polyimide manufacturing and the R&D area includes full wet lab & analytical capability, as well as a highly flexible pilot area. Candidate will define, lead, and execute technical programs focused on polyimide film. A successful candidate for this role needs to be highly capable in synthesis, formulation, fillers, dispersion technology, materials science, physical chemistry, and polymer chemistry. The individual needs to be highly self-motivated, have demonstrated innovative abilities, and interact in a team environment to plan and execute industrial films projects, novel formulations, and new product commercialization. The candidate will also participate to polyimide film process technology and scale-up at the pilot and plant facilities. Commercialization of products will require strong relationship with the customers and careful consideration of sustainability in their project.

Requirements

PhD in Polymer Science, Material Science, Physical Chemistry, or related discipline.
Strong knowledge in polymer synthesis, polymer physics, polymer characterization, and process.
Deep understanding of polymer structure property relationships.
Deep understanding of: Polymer statistical mechanics (chain conformations, scaling, entropic elasticity)
Thermodynamics of polymer systems (phase behavior, glass transition, free volume concepts)
Polymer dynamics and viscoelasticity (Rouse/reptation models, relaxation spectra)
Experience relating molecular-level phenomena to macroscopic properties in polymeric materials.
Hands-on expertise in characterization methods such as: Thermal analysis (DSC, TGA)
Mechanical/viscoelastic analysis (DMA, rheology)
Structural probes (XRD, scattering, spectroscopy
Electrical/dielectric measurements (preferred)
Good project management skills.
Good interpersonal skills to work with others who have diverse skills, education, and backgrounds.
Agile and self-driven, with ability to work in a fast-paced, customer-focused global environment.
Polymer rheology, composite materials, fillers experiences are also desired.
Demonstrated ability to design hypothesis-driven experiments and interpret complex data
Experience with Design of Experiments and Green Belt certification preferred.
Industrial experience is preferred (1-10 years).

Nice To Haves

Research experience involving polyimides, high-Tg polymers, or thin film systems
Familiarity with non-equilibrium processing effects (orientation, vitrification, solvent evaporation dynamics)
Experience modeling or simulating polymer behavior (e.g., continuum modeling, molecular simulations, or constitutive modeling )
Knowledge of film processing technologies and scale-up considerations
Background in electronics, aerospace, or high-performance polymer applications
Record of peer-reviewed publications, patents, or translational research

Responsibilities

Driven product development scientist.
Develop into a leader in polyimide chemistries, formulation, and processes.
Lead and execute new polyimide formulation developments as necessary, requiring an aptitude for process equipment design and test planning.
Lead and execute novel polyimide composite films formulation and characterization involving slurry chemistry, nano/micro fillers, dispersion process, rheology, and polymer physics characterization.
Support rapid prototyping efforts and new product development for the growing films portfolio in the Interconnect Solutions business unit at Circleville, OH.
Interact with laboratory scientists, engineers, technicians, pilot operations team and full-scale operations personnel, and customers to identify and translate basic needs to data-driven new product test plans.
Provide technical specifications or basic data packages for scale-up or commercialization of new technologies.
Solve complex problems.
Manage intellectual property (IP); understanding relevant IP and competitive landscapes and actively developing new IP.
Functional excellence in the use of scientific method and design of experiment, Strong interpersonal skills for strategic or tactical interactions with all business functions, external partners, customers, and broader research communities.
Ability to work with market and business leaders to develop key new product specifications.
Execute against business goals on a defined timeline, with focus on agility and active resource management.
Strategic thinker – able to understand and build relationships between business environment and product development roadmaps.
Demonstrate excellent communication skills with a global mindset.